As I navigated the bustling aisles of my local Asian market, the rich, fragrant scent of spices danced through the air and beckoned me. It was here that I discovered the wonders of five-spice powder—a blend that captivates with its bold and aromatic flavors. Inspired, I decided it was time to create something special in my kitchen: Chinese Five Spice Chicken (五香烤鸡).
This dish is a culinary embrace that invites everyone around the table to a feast that feels both exotic and comforting. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll experience the magic of tender chicken, kissed by a symphony of spices and a glossy sweet glaze. Perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing friends at gatherings, this recipe will transform your weeknight meals and remind you why homemade cooking reigns supreme over fast food.
So roll up your sleeves and join me on this flavorful journey that promises to awaken your senses and spark your culinary creativity!
Why You’ll Love This Chinese Five Spice Chicken
Simplicity at Its Best: With minimal prep time, just a quick 10 minutes is all you need to get started.
Rich, Layered Flavor: The blend of five-spice powder and honey creates a delightful balance that’s sure to impress.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this dish is a guaranteed hit!
Versatile Dish: Pair it with rice or your favorite vegetables, and you’ve got a complete meal that dazzles.
Time-Saving Technique: The spatchcock method ensures even cooking and juicy tenderness, making this recipe a breeze!
Chinese Five Spice Chicken Ingredients
For the Chicken
• 1 1/2 kg chicken – A whole chicken works best for spatchcocking, ensuring even cooking and juicy meat.
• 2 teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor and helps in tenderizing the chicken.
For the Spice Rub
• ¾ teaspoon five spice powder – This magical blend is the star of the dish, bringing aromatic warmth.
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder – Adds depth and a subtle sweetness to the flavor profile.
• ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper – Introduces a mild kick that complements the other spices.
For the Marinade
• 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce – Gives the chicken a rich color and slightly sweet flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Shaoxing rice wine – Imparts an authentic taste, but dry sherry can be a suitable substitute.
For the Glaze
• 1 tablespoon honey – Adds a beautiful shine and a hint of sweetness that balances the spices.
• ½ teaspoon dark soy sauce – Use this to enhance the glaze’s richness and deepen the color on the chicken skin.
How to Make Chinese Five Spice Chicken
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Spatchcock the chicken: Place the chicken breast-side down, cutting along both sides of the backbone to remove it. Flip the chicken over and flatten it out to ensure even cooking.
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Pat dry and season: Gently pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a bowl, mix salt, five spice powder, garlic powder, and white pepper. Rub half of this mixture into the cavity for rich flavor.
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Marinate the skin: Flip the chicken again and mix dark soy sauce with Shaoxing rice wine. Rub this marinade over the skin side. Apply the remaining dry spice mix and massage it into the chicken. Let it rest uncovered in the fridge overnight for intensified flavor.
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Prepare for cooking: One hour before you’re ready to roast, take the chicken out of the fridge to allow it to reach room temperature, which helps with even cooking.
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Preheat the oven: Preheat a fan-assisted oven to 390°F/200°C (or conventional at 425°F/220°C). Place the chicken on a wire rack over a roasting tray filled with water to keep it moist as it cooks. Roast for 15 minutes.
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Lower the temperature: Decrease the oven temperature to 320°F/160°C (or 350°F/180°C for conventional). Cook for an additional 20 minutes, checking the water levels in the tray to ensure the chicken doesn’t dry out.
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Add the glaze: In a small bowl, mix together honey and dark soy sauce. Brush this mixture over the chicken skin, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes for a beautifully glazed finish.
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Final roast: Raise the oven temperature back to 390°F/200°C (or 425°F/220°C for conventional). Brush the chicken again with the glaze and roast for an additional 5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
Optional: Serve with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Chinese Five Spice Chicken
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Perfecting Spatchcocking: Ensure you use a sharp kitchen scissors to cut along the backbone cleanly. This helps the chicken cook evenly and reduces cooking time.
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Marinate Overnight: Don’t rush the marination process. Allowing the chicken to rest uncovered in the fridge overnight intensifies the flavor, making your Chinese Five Spice Chicken even more aromatic.
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Check Water Levels: While roasting, keep an eye on the water tray underneath the chicken. If it evaporates, add more water to prevent the chicken from drying out during cooking.
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Room Temperature Preparation: Bringing the chicken to room temperature before cooking is crucial. It ensures even cooking and helps maintain juiciness throughout the roasting process.
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Glazing Magic: Brush the glaze on twice for the ultimate shine and flavor. The honey and soy sauce mix creates a beautifully caramelized crust that adds to the presentation and taste.
How to Store and Freeze Chinese Five Spice Chicken
Fridge: Store leftover Chinese Five Spice Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and the chicken juicy.
Freezer: If you have extra portions, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. This helps maintain the crispy skin while warming the meat.
What to Serve with Chinese Five Spice Chicken?
Imagine a table brimming with flavors that dance in harmony, bringing comfort and joy to every bite.
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: The subtle floral notes of jasmine rice soak up the savory juices, creating a simple yet satisfying base for your chicken.
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Stir-Fried Bok Choy: This vibrant green vegetable adds a crisp bite and a fresh contrast, enhancing the dish’s overall appeal and providing a healthy element.
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Crispy Spring Rolls: These delightful bites filled with vegetables and vermicelli deliver texture and crunch, making them a delightful appetizer or side dish.
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Garlic Roasted Broccoli: Roasting broccoli with garlic amplifies its flavor, providing a robust, nutty complement to the aromatic spices of the chicken.
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Soy Glazed Carrots: A touch of sweetness in these tender carrots pairs beautifully with the complex flavors of Chinese Five Spice Chicken, rounding out the meal perfectly.
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Chilled Cucumber Salad: This refreshing side, dressed in vinegar and sesame oil, can act as a palate cleanser, balancing the richness of the chicken.
Pair this enchanting dish with a robust red wine or a refreshing green tea to complete your culinary experience, promising satisfaction for every guest at the table.
Chinese Five Spice Chicken Variations
Feel free to personalize your chicken recipe with these delightful twists that will elevate the flavors to new heights!
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Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and salt to reduce the sodium content while still enjoying the dish’s bold flavors.
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Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to the marinade for a fragrant, garden-fresh twist that enhances the overall taste.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha in the marinade for a zingy heat that complements the five spices beautifully.
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Citrus Zest: Add a tablespoon of orange or lemon zest to the marinade for a refreshing brightness that balances the richness of the chicken.
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Maple Glaze: Swap honey with maple syrup in the glaze for a delightful, slightly smoky sweetness that creates a different flavor profile.
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Vegetable Twist: Include assorted vegetables like carrots and bell peppers in the roasting tray to create a vibrant, flavorful side that absorbs the wonderful chicken juices.
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Caramelized Finish: For an even more decadent finish, pop the chicken under the broiler for the last few minutes to achieve an extra crispy layer on the skin.
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Soy-Free: Use coconut aminos as a soy sauce alternative, giving you a gluten-free version with a similar taste, perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
Make Ahead Options
These Chinese Five Spice Chicken (五香烤鸡) preparations are perfect for busy weeknights! You can spatchcock the chicken and apply the spice rub up to 24 hours in advance, letting it marinate in the fridge overnight to deepen the flavors. To keep the chicken moist, ensure it’s wrapped well with plastic wrap to prevent any air exposure. When you’re ready to cook, simply bring the chicken to room temperature for an hour before roasting, then follow the cooking instructions as usual for that perfectly crispy, tender result. This way, you save time while enjoying a homemade feast just as delicious as if it were freshly made!
Chinese Five Spice Chicken Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select a chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Opt for a fresh, whole chicken when making Chinese Five Spice Chicken (五香烤鸡). Look for one that has a healthy, plump appearance with no dark spots or discoloration. A weight of around 1.5 kg is ideal as it ensures the chicken cooks evenly while staying juicy and tender.
How should I store leftover Chinese Five Spice Chicken?
To store your leftover Chinese Five Spice Chicken, simply place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It’s best to let the chicken cool completely before sealing it to maintain its delicious flavors and moisture.
Can I freeze Chinese Five Spice Chicken?
Certainly! If you have extra portions, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. This double protection will keep it fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How do I reheat Chinese Five Spice Chicken without drying it out?
For the best results, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover chicken on a baking tray and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps maintain its crispy skin and juicy interior.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Definitely! This delightful dish contains soy sauce, which includes gluten, so be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce if you’re accommodating someone with a gluten allergy. Additionally, honey is used, which is not suitable for infants, so please avoid serving it to young children.
What should I do if my chicken isn’t browning nicely?
If your chicken isn’t achieving that beautiful, crisp golden color, ensure that you’re brushing on the glaze (honey and soy mixture) liberally during the last roasting phases. Additionally, checking your oven temperature is crucial; a higher temperature in the final minutes can help caramelize the sugars and enhance the browning effect.
Irresistible Chinese Five Spice Chicken That Dazzles Your Tastebuds
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Spatchcock the chicken: Place the chicken breast-side down, cutting along both sides of the backbone to remove it. Flip the chicken over and flatten it out to ensure even cooking.
- Pat dry and season: Gently pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a bowl, mix salt, five spice powder, garlic powder, and white pepper. Rub half of this mixture into the cavity for rich flavor.
- Marinate the skin: Flip the chicken again and mix dark soy sauce with Shaoxing rice wine. Rub this marinade over the skin side. Apply the remaining dry spice mix and massage it into the chicken. Let it rest uncovered in the fridge overnight.
- Prepare for cooking: One hour before you’re ready to roast, take the chicken out of the fridge to allow it to reach room temperature.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat a fan-assisted oven to 390°F/200°C (or conventional at 425°F/220°C). Place the chicken on a wire rack over a roasting tray filled with water. Roast for 15 minutes.
- Lower the temperature: Decrease the oven temperature to 320°F/160°C (or 350°F/180°C for conventional). Cook for an additional 20 minutes.
- Add the glaze: Mix honey and dark soy sauce. Brush this mixture over the chicken skin, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Final roast: Raise the oven temperature back to 390°F/200°C (or 425°F/220°C for conventional). Brush the chicken again with the glaze and roast for an additional 5 minutes.